Barefoot Contessa’s Dreamy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

Decadent chocolate lovers rejoice over this Barefoot Contessa flourless chocolate cake that promises pure indulgence without gluten complications.

Rich, velvety layers melt effortlessly on your palate with intense cocoa depth.

The recipe whispers elegance through its simple yet sophisticated ingredients.

Smooth chocolate cascades across each slice like silk, tempting even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore how easily this cake comes together.

Dark chocolate provides a luxurious foundation that makes every bite feel like a gourmet experience.

This gluten-free masterpiece guarantees to become your new favorite showstopping dessert that everyone will request again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten-Free!)

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Rich, intense flavor that creates the cake's deep chocolate essence; choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for best results.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture; select unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
• Gluten-free Flour: Ensures the cake remains light and tender while maintaining a gluten-free profile; look for finely milled blends for best consistency.
• Instant Coffee Granules: Enhances chocolate's depth by intensifying its natural flavor without adding coffee taste; use high-quality instant coffee for subtle complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights chocolate's rich notes; choose fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Egg Yolks: Provide rich, creamy texture and help bind ingredients together; use fresh, room-temperature eggs for optimal incorporation.
• Egg Whites: Create lightness and help the cake achieve its signature airy texture; ensure eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the egg whites; select fine granulated sugar for smooth integration.

• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious ganache with glossy finish; choose high-fat content cream for best results.
• Additional Chocolate: Used for ganache topping; select same quality chocolate as base for consistent flavor profile.

Kitchen Tools to Make Flourless Chocolate Cake

• 8-inch springform pan: Essential for creating the perfect cake shape and easy removal.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures smooth cake release.
• Large heatproof bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate over simmering water.
• Electric mixer with whisk attachment: Critical for beating egg whites to soft peaks.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping bowls.
• Whisk: Helps blend egg yolks smoothly into chocolate mixture.
• Saucepan: Used for creating a double boiler to melt chocolate.
• Flat serving plate or cake stand: Provides a beautiful presentation surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

How to Bake the Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten-Free!)

• Chocolate Preparation

Gather high-quality dark chocolate and create a luxurious melting setup using a double boiler technique. Gently transform chocolate into a silky smooth mixture, allowing its rich essence to develop slowly and carefully.

• Egg White Magic

Separate egg whites with precision, transforming them into a fluffy cloud-like texture. The delicate whites will provide extraordinary lightness to the cake’s structure.

• Mixing Harmony

Combine melted chocolate with soft egg whites using gentle folding motions. This technique ensures a delicate, airy texture that defines the cake’s exceptional character.

• Baking Ritual

Place the cake in a preheated oven, creating a brief but intense baking experience. The short cooking time preserves the cake’s luxurious moisture and intense chocolate profile.

• Cooling Technique

Allow the cake to rest peacefully inside the oven after baking, letting it naturally settle and develop deep, complex flavors. The slight sinking creates a beautiful crater perfect for ganache.

• Decadent Finish

Create a glossy chocolate ganache and pour it gracefully into the cake’s center. The smooth topping transforms the dessert into a stunning culinary masterpiece that promises pure indulgence.

Pro Tips for the Best Flourless Chocolate Cake

• Pro Tips and Twists
• Use an oven thermometer to ensure exact temperature, as this cake's success depends on precise heat control.
• Select high-quality bittersweet chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for rich, deep flavor that transforms the entire dessert.
• Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free from any oil residue to help egg whites reach perfect soft peak consistency.
• Experiment with adding orange zest, espresso powder, or a splash of bourbon to the chocolate mixture for unexpected flavor complexity.
• Dust the cake with cocoa powder, top with fresh raspberries, or drizzle with salted caramel sauce to elevate its presentation and taste profile.

Ways to Serve Flourless Chocolate Cake Like a Pro

• Pair with Coffee Companions: Serve slices alongside a steaming espresso or rich cappuccino to enhance the deep chocolate flavors and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Create Elegant Plating: Dust the cake edges with cocoa powder or sprinkle finely chopped hazelnuts around the ganache center for a professional restaurant-style presentation.
• Add Refreshing Contrasts: Top each slice with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense chocolate richness and provide a cool, creamy complement.
• Elevate with Berry Accent: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberry slices around the plate to introduce a bright, tangy note that cuts through the cake's decadent chocolate intensity.

Make-Ahead and Storage for Flourless Chocolate Cake

• Refrigerate with Care: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain its rich, fudgy texture.
• Freeze for Future Indulgence: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature Revival: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps restore its soft, decadent texture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Cut clean slices using a hot, clean knife wiped between each cut. This ensures neat portions and prevents the delicate cake from crumbling.

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s flourless chocolate cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, dense texture. Chocolate lovers savor this gluten-free indulgence that promises pure decadence without compromise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb plus 3 oz (680 g) bittersweet chocolate (such as Lindt), broken into chunks
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature, separated
• 10 tbsps (1¼ sticks or 142 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp gluten-free flour (such as Cup4Cup)
• 1 ½ tbsps sugar
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• Coffee or vanilla ice cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter an 8-inch springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper.
2. Chocolate Foundation: Melt bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Remove from heat and blend in unsalted butter, gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, instant coffee granules, and salt. Whisk egg yolks until mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Egg White Transformation: Whip egg whites in an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks form that hold their shape but remain light.
4. Batter Integration: Gently fold whipped egg whites into chocolate mixture using sweeping motions, maintaining airiness and ensuring uniform color and texture.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing surface evenly. Bake for exactly 15 minutes, then turn off oven and crack door open slightly. Let cake rest inside for one hour, allowing natural deflation and creating a distinctive sunken center.
6. Ganache Creation: Combine remaining chocolate with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl. Melt over simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy. Adjust consistency with additional cream if necessary.
7. Finishing Touches: Carefully remove springform pan sides and transfer cake to serving plate. Pour warm ganache into cake’s center, allowing it to fill the natural depression while leaving edges untouched.
8. Serving Suggestion: Present cake at room temperature or slightly warm. Optionally top with a scoop of coffee or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Notes

• Ensure Perfect Chocolate Melting: Use a gentle double-boiler method to melt chocolate, preventing burning and maintaining smooth texture.
• Master Egg White Technique: Whip egg whites to soft peaks carefully, avoiding over-beating which can deflate the cake’s delicate structure.
• Control Baking Precision: Follow the exact 15-minute baking time and one-hour resting method to achieve the signature sunken center and rich texture.
• Ganache Application Tip: Pour warm ganache only into the cake’s center depression for a professional, elegant presentation that maximizes visual and flavor appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg